Role
Dr. Dennis A. Trinkle is provost and chief academic officer of Harrison College, an institution of higher education that was founded in 1902 as Indiana Business College and has a rich history of preparing students for success in their chosen profession, offering more than 30 degree programs in five schools of study. Trinkle provides executive and academic leadership for the entire Harrison College system, which includes 900-plus employees and 12 campuses, an online division and a culinary division (The Chef’s Academy). More than 6,100 students are enrolled.
An executive and academic leader with broad technical and business expertise leading large, diverse educational, information and service organizations, Trinkle directs and oversees all domestic and international operations, enrollment, marketing, compliance, academic policies and programs for Harrison College. He works to achieve the organizational objectives of academic excellence, student service and regulatory compliance through effective planning, coordination and implementation of strategic and tactical directives. Trinkle has a strong record developing and implementing new programs and driving institutional success, including the development of Harrison College’s innovative, distinctive online environment called “KnowU.” Among his major accomplishments are the successful leadership of Harrison’s international programs and its general expansion and program development strategies, including overseeing the launch of Harrison’s first graduate programs. Trinkle has provided executive direction for Harrison’s move toward Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation as well.
Impact
Trinkle is the author and editor of 16 books and more than 50 articles on technology, pedagogy, history, learning theory and management. He has organized and presented at many panels and workshops, and is a frequently invited keynote speaker at international events on business, innovation and technology topics. His professional affiliations include membership in accreditation and external review teams for the HLC and institutional review processes. He served as a member of the HLC Nominating Committee as well as a member of peer review corps for both the HLC’s Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and its Program to Evaluate and Advance Quality (PEAQ). A Phi Beta Kappa member, Trinkle’s honors and awards include Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Program; Indy’s Best and Brightest; Golden Horseshoe Award for Top Philanthropist, Indianapolis Colts; Innovation Fellow, Northwest Indiana Society of Innovators; CIO 100; EDUCAUSE Quarterly Contribution of the Year Award; Mira Award for Technology Leadership in Higher Education; and EDUCAUSE Teaching & Learning Award.
Personal
A native of, Indianapolis, Trinkle earned a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from DePauw University, an MBA in technology management from the University of Phoenix, and a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati. He currently serves on multiple boards of directors, including College Mentors for Kids, Lawrence Township School Foundation, Great Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, International Violin Competition, Connectedby25 and Riley Society. Trinkle is dedicated to the community and is on the Campaign Cabinet for the United Way of Central Indiana. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife, Kristi, and two sons, JT and Nathan.